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Further Workplace Health and Safety bosses will be grilled at the inquest into the Dreamworld disaster today, after a leading inspector admitted he had "no confidence" in the emergency procedures in place on the Thunder River Rapids ride.

Sex harassment laws in spotlight

Australia's sexual harassment laws could be overhauled and possible criminal charges introduced for offenders as a result of an inquiry into why the issue continues to plague many workplaces.

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins will head the world-first inquiry, which has been backed by the federal government and will examine the prevalence, nature and reporting of sexual harassment across all industries.

As part of her investigation, Ms Jenkins will consider the adequacy of existing laws that make sexual harassment unlawful at work before making a series of recommendations to the government by August 2019.

Ms Jenkins said she would consider "all options in terms of legal avenues", including the possibility of criminal penalties for offenders.

"We would absolutely consider that as one of the options," she told reporters on Wednesday.

While sexual harassment has been outlawed for more than 25 years, one-in-five women and one-in-20 men have experienced it at work.

Ms Jenkins took up the idea for an inquiry into sexual harassment following the Harvey Weinstein scandal subsequent #metoo movement that erupted late last year.

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The inquiry comes as the Australian Human Rights Commission prepares to wrap up its fourth national survey into workplace sexual harassment, which is expected to show a significant increase when its released in August.

When Ms Jenkins took on the role of Sex Discrimination Commissioner two years ago she toured the country to hear from people about sexual harassment at work.

She heard countless stories ranging from being raped by colleagues to being subjected to sexual comments at work.

"I remember one women ... she worked in a hospital and one of the patients exposed himself," Ms Jenkins said.

"She complained and got told, 'Well he obviously likes you, do you want to have an affair with him?'

"The response from her employer was, 'Well you should take that as a compliment'. And so ultimately she said she felt she had no choice but to resign."

The cost of sexual harassment to individuals and companies will form part of Ms Jenkins' inquiry, which will also review complaints made to state and territory anti-discrimination agencies.

It will also consider what drives workplace harassment, the role played by technology and social media, and how the problem is being dealt with.

Minister for Women Kelly O'Dwyer said with record numbers of women working, the inquiry was a positive step to ensure women are respected at work and ensure companies deal with the issue appropriately.

"We want to make sure there aren't barriers to women becoming fully engaged in the workplace," she said.

Ai Group chief executive Innes Willox welcomed the inquiry, saying it would help provide advice for employers on best practice strategies to create safe workplaces.

LJ Loch, who chairs NOW Australia, the non-profit group for workers who have been sexually harassed, assaulted or intimidated, said a safe workplace should not be an unrealistic expectation.

"It's something we all deserve, but is not yet something we all enjoy."